Current Targets for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Title:Current Targets for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Volume: 18 Issue: 8

Author(s): Irene Pierantonelli*, Antonio Benedetti and Marco Marzioni

Affiliation:

• Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona,Italy

Keywords: Primary sclerosing cholangitis, cholestasis, pathogenesis, inflammatory bowel disease, diagnosis, treatment.

Abstract: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a biliary disease characterized by liver inflammation and death of cholangiocytes which, in turn, drive to fibrosis, cirrhosis and functional alterations of the liver. PSC is also associated with an increased risk of developing cholangiocarcinoma. To date, the etiopathogenesis of PSC is still not completely understood, although a genetic predisposition in association to environmental factors contribute to immune-mediated liver damage. The lack of such knowledge is responsible for the failure of most available therapies. At this time, many studies are evaluating potential approaches that could have a positive impact on the progression of the disease. This review aims to provide a summary of present and past therapeutic approaches for PSC.

Cite this article as:

Pierantonelli Irene*, Benedetti Antonio and Marzioni Marco, Current Targets for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Current Drug Targets 2017; 18 (8) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389450117666160112114152